As it turned into a problem, we naively made up our minds to moderate or quit. We still remembered the days when we just had fun like everybody else. We even began doing things like journaling, exercising, or watching our diet.

We consulted with people we trusted, whether family, friends, employers, ministers, physicians, or counselors. You have to fully surrender by absolutely saying no to any alcohol from now on. You are recognizing that alcohol is a powerful thing powerless over alcohol that could once again take control of your life. By doing so, you are actually showing how strong you are. You are strong enough not to let alcohol take over your life again. By practicing abstinence, alcohol cannot wield its power over you.

“The first step towards change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”

They are convinced they are recreational users who take drugs and alcohol because that is what they want, not what they need. This is why hitting rock bottom plays such a large role in addiction. As addiction begins to overtake your life, you lie to yourself about what is happening. Unfortunately, many cannot shatter that illusion until they hit rock bottom and are confronted with undeniable proof that everything is not okay. Only then do they feel that powerlessness that comes from addiction.

The group has a lot of information online about its history and philosophy. I remember one of the old-timers at a meeting discussing that relapse is almost always a direct result of not accepting step one.

Graduate School of Addiction Studies

If you are living with a loved one’s drinking, it can be difficult to admit you are powerless and unable to keep cleaning up the mess and being the responsible one. You may continue to make things work and, therefore, be part of the sickness. Only after admitting you are powerless can you begin to make changes in yourself. From step one, you can continue to the rest of the 12 steps and 12 traditions.

The brain chemistry changes dramatically even after just one drink causing the person to crave more and more alcohol. This mental obsession coupled with physical cravings could lead to detrimental behaviors such as violence, sexual promiscuity, or heavy drinking in an attempt to quench the thirst for alcohol. One survey of nearly 200 people found a high correlation between addiction and not believing in free will. People who didn’t believe they had free will were more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs and were more likely to have tried to quit and failed. Admitting powerlessness means we can’t control our substance abuse.

Addiction and Mental Health Resources

For those of us who used the 12 Steps on our quest to recovery – step one can be a lot to take in. For me personally, this first step was a tough one. Step one encompasses the total and utter powerlessness found in the depths of the disease of addiction.

Bradford Health Services accepts most major insurances and provides private pay options. Members of Alcoholics Anonymous or Al-Anon Family Groups present some great insight into the healing principles of the 12 steps. Many have said that taking that first step is one of the most difficult things to do. This cycle of lies and keeping secrets can go on for years and that in itself can create an atmosphere that actually causes the situation to deteriorate faster. Verywell Mind’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We might even go days or weeks without actually using, and tell ourselves that we were better, but the result was always the same.

Examples of Powerlessness in Sobriety

Every year the raging waters rise, steal away loved ones, and obliterate all they worked so hard to build. They suffer desperation and hopelessness, and they further feel shame and guilt for not having prevented catastrophic loss of life and property. But, what about their neighbors who live on higher ground, above the plain? Factually, they are as powerless against the raging floods as those whose homes were swept away.

• Let’s just say that once an alcoholic takes a drink, a chemical reaction occurs within that body, setting off an intense craving for more.
• Step 1 is your first lesson in challenging your ego, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and taking a hard look at the state of your life.
• I was miserable on the inside, hoping that I didn’t have to wake up to see another day of the same routine, the same loneliness, and the same antsy insecurity of just existing in my own skin.
• We can reclaim power over alcohol and other drugs, but we need to understand that in order to do so, we can never safely pick them up.
• Alcoholism contributes to many physical and mental health issues, and even death.

We strive to exceed patient and community expectations in every life we touch. Admitting powerlessness actually gives you strength. You know that alcohol is bad news for you, you are convinced, and nothing can make you return to drinking. In order to progress to steps two through twelve, you must embrace step one. You will be unable to go further in your recovery if you cannot recognize that you and alcohol do not mix. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living.